After netting his first goal for Manchester United last Monday, the former Everton favourite added to his growing reputation by putting in an impeccable performance against the current Premier League leaders.

Many pundits sounded out Fellaini’s performance, with the majority agreeing with the Manchester United supporters and naming him the Red Devils’ best player.

Dutch teammate Robin van Persie was no different and after the game praised the importance of his defensive hard-work, commenting: ‘’He played fantastically. Defensively, on Cesc Fabregas, he did a great job. He is strong on the ball, he runs with it and is also strong in the air. I think he played a great match.’’

The statistics also back up the level of performance Fellaini was able to provide, most impressively the amount of battles he was able to win despite playing against the likes of Matic and Fabregas.

Attempts on Goal

Total Pass

Accurate Pass

Total Tackle

Won Tackle

Battles Won

Touches

Mins Played

Marouane Fellaini v Chelsea

3

41

34

3

3

7

56

90

The impressive week can only be considered as a starting point for Fellaini and if he is to live up to his price tag and become a regular in the Manchester United side then this is the level he must consistently hit against opposition of Chelsea’s standard.

Arguably, the battle with Matic will be the hardest he will face in the Premier League this season and after passing with flying colours he will aim to get more time on the pitch and ultimately oust the likes of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera for a more regular place in the team.

It is a big ask for the Belgium international, but he has at least put himself in the frame now.